Biathlon - Simon Fourcade requires surgery

French star Simon Fourcade requires surgery and will miss a large chunk of the World Cup season.

The 28-year-old, who was fifth in the World Cup last season, is suffering from a vascular problem in the legs.

A statement on the French Ski Federation website said: "The syndrome is caused by trauma, fracture or excessive compression of the lower limbs that prevents the expansion of muscles. It causes severe pain and should be treated urgently, surgically."